Charles Tillman not sure if he'll be ready for opener

Bears' cornerback situation remains up in the air

Fresh off another night as a spectator, Bears cornerback Charles Tillman was asked about the possibility of having Zack Bowman as a fellow starter at cornerback rather than Nathan Vasher.

"There's always the possibility of that," he said. "Our jobs are always up for competition. I'm trying to get back my starting spot."

Tillman was being modest, of course. Once he is fully recovered from off-season back surgery, the veteran is sure to have a starting role on the defense. Regardless, there is uncertainty at cornerback -- and in the secondary, period -- as the Bears move closer to the Sept. 13 opener at Green Bay.

As the Bears look for answers, they will sign veteran corner Rod Hood to a one-year deal Tuesday, according to multiple NFL sources Hood, who visited the Bears this off-season, was cut by the Browns on Monday.

Thursday night's final exhibition against the Browns would be the ideal time to give Tillman and Bowman (hamstring) some light reps and to work free safety/nickel back Danieal Manning (hamstring) back into the mix. All of them missed the first three exhibitions.

"Am I back for the (Green Bay) game? I still don't know," Tillman said. "It's a tossup.

"I'd like to play Thursday. Shoot, I'd like to play right now. I'm glad I'm not in charge because I would have played two weeks ago, played in camp. And it wouldn't have been the smartest thing because I probably would have gotten hurt."

The Bears have to be at full strength in the secondary if they hope to improve on last season's showing. They struggled in numerous categories, none more eye-opening than finishing 30th out of 32 teams in pass defense.

Some of that can be attributed to the lack of a consistent pass rush, but the secondary allowed far too many big plays. There has been some improvement this preseason under new defensive backs coach Jon Hoke, although Vasher got off to a rough start at Buffalo and Trumaine McBride, forced into a starting role with Tillman and Bowman sidelined, struggled Sunday in the Bears' 27-17 exhibition win over Denver.

Yet it seems highly doubtful Vasher and McBride will be the starting cornerback tandem at Green Bay, although the possibility exists. Don't forget about Corey Graham, who rotated in at left cornerback Sunday and looked strong in coverage.

Vasher, a one-time Pro Bowler with 18 career interceptions, continues to keep a positive outlook despite skepticism about his play. Injuries have taken a toll on the former fourth-round pick, who missed 20 games the last two seasons after signing a five-year extension worth up to $28 million.

Asked about Bowman possibly pressing for the starting role, Vasher said: "I don't know about any of that stuff. At any time, anybody can get the opportunity to go out there and help the team win."